This is a sheer tinted mattifier designed to reduce oily shine and make pores look smaller. It works, but not to a magical extent in the sense that large pores become invisible. Rather, the silicone base and its thick but silky texture smooth skin and have a minor filling effect on large pores. How long the effect lasts depends on how oily your skin is and what other products you apply afterward.

In terms of shine control, this does a good job due to its soft, powder-like finish; however, just as with the pore-filling effect, the shine control depends on how oily your skin is and the products applied afterward. Used with a matte-finish foundation and oil-absorbing pressed powder, most will be pleased with the amount of shine control this provides. True to claim, this holds up well when you perspire.

The fragrance-free formula contains antioxidant vitamin E as well as a licorice-derived anti-irritant—two good ingredients that benefit all skin types. The only odd addition is the mineral pigment mica. Mica adds shine, which is counter-intuitive to this product’s promise of keeping skin shine-free. Despite this addition, the shine effect is minor and most won’t find it objectionable.

Contains shiny mineral pigment mica, which adds a bit of shine to a product meant to control a shiny appearance.

Claims

Z-Pore combines special silicone polymers and optical diffusers to instantly reduce the look of pores and provide a soft matte finish to the skin. This water-, sweat-, and humidity-resistant formula lasts all day.

Strengths: Most of the serums and treatment products (including the wrinkle fillers) are very good; relatively inexpensive given the anti-aging ingredients used; some of the products are fragrance-free.

Weaknesses: Falls short in terms of not offering any sun protection products; no longer a comprehensive line.

GoodSkin Labs is owned by Estee Lauder and sold exclusively at Kohl’s department stores. Although originally launched as a full-featured collection of skin-care products, the brand has since been whittled down to a few key players. We’re not sure why the downsizing occurred, but perhaps it’s Lauder simply decided to focus on the core products that sold best. Whatever the reason, what remains from GoodSkin is a mixed bag—but there are some very good products you may want to consider. Because this is Lauder-owned line, you’ll find several products are similar to others from Laude brands, including Clinique. The price point of GoodSkin Labs is in line with Clinique, though with Clinique you have a lot more choices and can, if desired, put together an entire skin-care routine. Just to be clear, you can put together a brilliant skin-care routine with products from different brands—let go of the myth that you won’t get good results if your routine mixes and matches various brands. In some cases that may work beautifully, but more often than not it can lead to trouble because few lines offer a perfectly ideal assortment of products. What GoodSkin Labs does best is serums and anti-aging treatment products (including wrinkle fillers) and most of them are fragrance-free. Their formulas combine proven beneficial ingredients in elegant textures and packaging that helps keep light- and air-sensitive ingredients stable during use. As with most cosmetic lines, the claims are a bit over the top, but for the most part the formulas contain an impressive range of ingredients that can help your skin look and act younger. You won’t find anything here that Estee Lauder’s namesake brand isn’t also offering, but if you routinely shop at Kohl’s, there are some products that are worthy of checking out! For more information about GoodSkin Labs, visit www.goodskinlabs.com.

About the Experts

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.